Amin Abbas

DUBAI: Wakame, a family-run Asian restaurant in Dubai, offers Japanese and Asian fine dining experience in a unique way.

Located at Sofitel Downtown hotel, the restaurant balances honored traditions with bold innovation, elevating the modern Asian fine dining experience. Premium ingredients are the core of the menu, and dishes are prepared with passion and precision.

Wakame presents Japanese-inspired carpentry, from the charred walls to the ceilings. A forest of Bonsai trees connects the lounge and restaurant with subdued lighting that creates an intimate ambience.

Alawi Albreiki, Wakame’s owner, told Arab News Japan that Wakame was established in early 2015 with a focus on Japanese cuisine. 

He shared that one of the challenges he faced when opening the restaurant was tapping into a competitive market while maintaining the authenticity of Japanese cuisine.

The restaurant has received outstanding reviews from guests so far. “Our customers have been with us from day one until now, and understand we are not a traditional Japanese restaurant but a take on modern cuisine,” said Albreiki.

When asked how the restaurant differs from other Japanese restaurants, Albreiki credited the outstanding flavors and unique sauces the chefs implement in every dish.

The Asian restaurant offers weekly specials as well as a variety of unique dishes such as Eggplant Burrata and Fire Cracker Roses. Additionally, they give out a special menu monthly for special customers.

Regarding future plans, Albreiki shared that he would love to open branches in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

Wakame and opens every day from 12 noon until 11:45 p.m. Dubai time and prices range from ¥1,207 to ¥5,031.